Optometrist Salary in Cheshire, CT: $144,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cheshire, CT earns a median $144,855/year (≈ $69.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cheshire's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $134,249 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheshire, Connecticut, the projected median annual optometrist salary for 2026 stands at $144,855, surpassing the national median of $140,612 by 3.02%. This robust compensation reflects the state's comprehensive scope of practice, allowing optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in the area displays considerable variability, with figures ranging from $84,630 (P10) to $207,349 (P90), indicating diverse opportunities based on experience, specialization, and the practice environment. Such estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, and highlight the competitive nature of the job market in Cheshire for optometry professionals seeking to advance their careers.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,630 | $40.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,757 | $57.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,855 | $69.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,716 | $83.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,349 | $99.69 |
Median Salary Position
3.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheshire
In Cheshire, CT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,719 (2026 est.). At $144,855, the local median is 3.02% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cheshire: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cheshire Optometrist Pay Compares
Cheshire median: $144,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cheshire Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $151,681 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.02% more |
Optometrists in Cheshire, CT earn a median of $144,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $151,681.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cheshire has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cheshire, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,855 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,249 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,728
2025 BLS Actual
$140,691
2026 Current Est.
$144,855
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,839 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,143 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cheshire metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $118,728 (2019) to $140,691 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,415 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheshire metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,630 – $118,757 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,757 – $144,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,855 – $172,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,716 – $207,349 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cheshire
With only four optometrists employed in Cheshire, the local job market appears somewhat limited, but it remains essential to consider the area's cost of living index, which sits at 107.9. This figure suggests that while salaries may be higher than some regions, the local expenses could impact overall purchasing power. Notably, practices that pay the most among local employers often include established private optometry offices and ophthalmology practices, particularly those utilizing the OD/MD model. The spread in compensation can be attributed to factors such as ownership equity, practice setting, and whether an optometrist has completed a residency in ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Cheshire CT, networking within the local optometry community and exploring opportunities for further specialization or partnership roles can be effective strategies to enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Cheshire?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $140,691 for optometristsin the Cheshire metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheshire is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov